Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: TOF 171
Date: Nov 16, 2024

#R1#
Messing circles away from the clinch attempt.
Macho Man waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Messing.
Messing uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Macho Man.
A telegraphed right hand from Macho Man misses the target.
Messing attempts a counter takedown but Macho Man avoids it well and moves away.#TD#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Messing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Macho Man taking a bit of punishment here - Messing scoring with strikes.
Macho Man tries to bench press Messing off him but Messing keeps the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Macho Man struggling a bit here.
Messing is chipping away with strikes.
Macho Man is looking for a sweep.#SUB#
Messing thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead. #T1##SUB#
Messing tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Messing has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Macho Man tries to wriggle free to get back to his feet but he's given up his back! Oops.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Messing controlling the positon.
Messing scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Macho Man is looking for a way out.
Messing is hanging on to Macho Man's back as he tries to escape. #T2#
Messing avoiding Macho Man 's attempts to control his hands.
Macho Man is trying to break free.
Messing gets his hooks in and is throwing strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Messing is landing with strikes. Macho Man can't take much more of this.
Macho Man has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Messing's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Messing lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Macho Man.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Macho Man is trying to remain composed but Messing is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.#T3##SUB#
Messing looking to break Macho Man's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Macho Man remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Messing will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Messing trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Macho Man trying to control the position but Messing manages to sink in the hooks.
Macho Man rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
We've been hearing that Messing has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Macho Man trying to control here.
Macho Man is looking for a sweep. Messing is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Macho Man is trying to stand. #T4#
Macho Man has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Messing is working away from the top position though.
Macho Man is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Messing tries to pass the half guard into mount. Macho Man knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Messing slips a nice elbow through Macho Man's hands, connecting with Macho Man's forehead.#SUB#
Messing wants to work for an arm triangle but Macho Man is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt. #SUB2#
Macho Man actively working from the bottom here.
Messing trying to control from half guard but Macho Man is working away.
Ground and pound from Messing. #T5#
Messing lands strikes from half guard.
Messing lands strikes from half guard.
Messing is pressing down on Macho Man's thigh, looking to free his foot. Macho Man is holding on for now.
Messing is thwarting Macho Man's attempts to control the position.
Messing prevents Macho Man from improving his position.
Macho Man works his way to full guard. Good work.
Macho Man manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Messing manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Macho Man wants to get up but he can't break Messing's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Macho Man tries to free his leg and advance position but Messing is retaining full guard. #T6#
Messing is trying to keep Macho Man in close.
Macho Man slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Messing keeping moving, preventing Macho Man from controlling successfully.
Messing pulls Macho Man in close to prevent any damage. #SUB#
Messing has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Macho Man can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Macho Man stopping the sweep attempt from Messing.#T7##SUB#
Messing had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Macho Man defends it easily.
Macho Man trying to control the position from guard on top but Messing is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Messing manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Macho Man manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Messing advances to half guard.
Messing is trying to control. Macho Man wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #SUB2#
Macho Man actively working from the bottom here.
Macho Man is looking to control Messing's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Macho Man avoid being mounted?#T8#
Macho Man is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Messing scores with a couple of nice shots.
Messing scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Macho Man is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #SUB2#
Macho Man looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Messing working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Macho Man works his way to full guard. Good work.
Messing trying to control but Macho Man is working from the bottom.
Messing stands up over Macho Man, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head. #SUB2#
Macho Man is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Messing defends well.
Messing pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Macho Man is keeping the position for now. #T9#
Macho Man is trying to control the position from the bottom. #SUB2#
Macho Man is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Messing defends well.
Messing connects with a couple of short punches.#SUB2#
Messing got a little sloppy there for a moment and Macho Man has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Messing has managed to get both his arms back between Macho Man's legs - danger averted.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Macho Man is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Macho Man is on top in guard. #REVB#
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Messing dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
A big left from Macho Man misses.
Messing tries to counter with a takedown but Macho Man is quick to defend against it.
Macho Man throws out a token jab with nothing on it.#TD#
Messing shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Messing was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Macho Man is looking for a sweep.
Messing trying to control the action but Macho Man is working from the bottom.
Macho Man can't do much from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Macho Man is letting Messing control him for a moment.
Macho Man wants to control but Messing postures up.#T1#
Macho Man is trying to improve his position.
You can see the frustration on Macho Man's face as Messing controls the position.
Messing tries to advance to mount but can't.
Messing working away.
Macho Man is looking for a sweep.
Macho Man is working to avoid the ground and pound but Messing connects with a decent elbow.
Macho Man tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Macho Man wants to hold on but Messing pushes him away.
Macho Man can't escape the position. #T2#
Messing wants to control the pace but Macho Man is squirming around nicely.
Gerard Messing overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Macho Man taking shots to the head.
Messing lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent. #ROC#Macho Man is rocked!
Messing connects with a bit shot that sees Macho Man covering up! More strikes from Messing and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Messing is our winner by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:38 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Gerard Messing!
A less than humble Gerard Messing misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

Event: TOF 159
Date: Oct 06, 2024

#R1#
Sparks tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Messing was well out of range. Poor timing from Sparks.
Messing uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Messing shoots for a double leg takedown but Sparks sprawls well. He's pushed Messing's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Sparks throws out a loose jab but Messing uses good head movement to avoid it.
The fighters circling - Messing throws out the jab but it was never going to land. #TD#
Messing shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Sparks is staying active underneath Messing, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Sparks looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messing passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Sparks!
Messing looking to finish Sparks with some ground and pound. This is bad for Sparks!#T1#
Sparks tries to hold on but Messing postures up.
Messing content just to control the position here.
Messing raining down hammerfists from mount.
Sparks sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Messing has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Ground and pound from Messing. #SUB#
Messing is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Sparks sees it coming and defends easily.
We've been hearing that Messing has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Sparks wants to control but Messing is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Sparks really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Messing. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#T2#
Sparks is staying active underneath Messing, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Sparks is trying to maintain the position but Messing is very close to passing his half guard.
Messing wants to pass the guard but Sparks is defending well. #SUB#
Messing is looking for a kimura here.
Messing wants to control but Sparks is keeping him busy.
Sparks trying to control from the bottom. #T3#
Sparks wants to get back to full guard.
Messing content to control rather than advance.
Sparks controlling the leg, holding on to half guard. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Sparks takes one to the chin there.
Sparks misses the jab.
Elton Sparks seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Messing bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Messing has his takedown stuffed
and Sparks connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.#T4#
Messing slips a jab from Sparks.#TD#
Sparks gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Messing to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Messing not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Sparks looking to hit a scissor sweep but Messing is one step ahead there.
Sparks avoiding any damage from the ground and pound. #T5#
Sparks is pulling down on Messing's head to control his posture.
Messing passes Sparks's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Sparks trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Messing controlling from mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messing landing strikes, looking to finish!
Messing unloading with bombs!#SUB#
Messing working for a submission but Sparks is keeping him at bay.
Sparks is trying to escape the mount. #T6#
Messing looking to control but Sparks is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Sparks is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Messing avoids the attempt from Sparks to control.
Sparks is squirming around, avoiding Messing's attempts to control the action. #T7#
Sparks is working to get back to half guard.
Messing can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sparks is looking to escape.
Messing lands a couple of good shots and Sparks has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Sparks takes a big shot to the side of the head.
Messing avoiding Sparks 's attempts to control his hands. #SUB#
Messing working for a choke but Sparks is defending well.
Messing gets his hands free as Sparks looks to control. #T8#
Sparks is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Messing is staying active.
Sparks tries to escape the position. #SUB#
Messing is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Sparks defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Sparks looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment. #T9#
The referee is taking a good look at Sparks as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Messing!
Sparks trying to control the action but Messing just sinks the hooks in.
Messing landing with strikes.
Sparks wants to escape the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Messing lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Messing dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gerard Messing's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Nice cross by Sparks.
Messing lands a jab.
Sparks displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Messing throws out the jab.
Sparks throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Messing with a poor takedown
and Sparks counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Messing thinking. #CL2#
Sparks moves into range and clinches up with Messing.
Messing leaning his opponent against the cage.
Messing is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sparks can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sparks keeps control of Messing as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Sparks stops a takedown attempt from Messing.
Sparks controlling the action here for a moment. #T1#
Sparks throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Messings head.
Sparks letting Messing take a breather here.#BC#
Messing breaks the clinch.
Messing walks into a jab.
Sparks fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Messing on the side of the head.
Sparks blocks a jab.
Elton Sparks seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Messing doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Messing looks for a takedown but Sparks sprawls well.
Sparks swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T2#
Messing swings for the body but Sparks moves out of range.
It seemed like Sparks was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Sparks is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Messing.
Messing attempts a counter takedown but Sparks avoids it well and moves away.
Messing throws a body shot but no joy.
Sparks swings for the body but Messing moves out of range.
Sparks throws a low kick but it's checked well by Messing.
Messing half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Messing lands a body shot.
Sparks is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Messing.
Elton Sparks is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#TD#
A momentary lapse in concentration from Sparks enables Messing to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Sparks manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.#T3#
Messing lands a couple of elbows.
Messing looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Sparks is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Messing accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Messing pushing down on Sparks's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Messing tries to pass the half guard into mount. Sparks knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Messing controlling the action here.#T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Sparks wants to control but Messing is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Messing looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Sparks with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Sparks tries to kick Messing off but Messing keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #SUB#
Messing is working for a kimura but Sparks is defending it quite comfortably.
Messing seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime. #T5#
Sparks is looking to improve his position. #SUB#
Messing is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Sparks doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Messing.
Messing thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Sparks won't allow Messing to pass to mount.
Sparks preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Messing working the head and body with strikes. #T6#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Sparks looks like he's trying to stand up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sparks has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Messing is working away from the top position though.
Messing throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Messing throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Sparks preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Jab from Sparks.#T7#
Messing jabs at Sparks's body.
Sparks lands a nice hook to Messing's body. Messing takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Messing moves away from the strike by Sparks.
Messing shoots in but Sparks avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Messing rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sparks cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Messing swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sparks ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.#T8#
Sparks misses with a hook.
Messing checks a leg kick.
Messing connects with a single shot there.
Messing moves into range and connects with a jab.
Messing throws a poor cross that misses
and Sparks counters with a straight right hand.
Sparks throws the left hand but Messing avoids the punch easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A big right from Sparks misses.
Sparks lands a nice looking body shot.
Messing swings for the body but Sparks moves out of range. #T9#
Sparks fails with an attempt to clinch.
Sparks lands with an overhand left.
Sparks throws a hook but Messing avoids it easily.
Messing tries to counter with a takedown but Sparks is quick to defend against it.
Messing fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Sparks throws an overhand right that lands on Messing's shoulder, as Messing tries to avoid the shot.
Messing blocks a jab.
Messing half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sparks misses with a hook.
Messing moves away from the strike by Sparks.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Elton Sparks showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Gerard Messing's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R3#
Sparks lands a nice looking body shot.
Sparks throws a body shot but no joy.
Messing feinted with a counter takedown.
Messing gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sparks.
Sparks misses with a straight right.
Messing feinted with a counter takedown.
Sparks bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Messing looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sparks is fending him off so far but Messing persists. Nope, Sparks circles away and we're back to standing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sparks throws a series of punches but Messing avoids them all with ease.
Messing dives in for a single leg takedown but Sparks sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Sparks working aggressively here. #TD#
Messing has picked Sparks up - he's going for a ride! Messing dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.#T1#
Messing is trying to control. Sparks wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Sparks has hold of Messing's hands but Messing slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Sparks is trying to stand.
Messing wants to control but Sparks is keeping him busy.
Messing is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Sparks wants to improve his position but Messing is controlling well.
Messing wants to pass the guard but Sparks is defending well.
Messing takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Messing not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Messing throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Messing is trying to control. Sparks wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Sparks is trying to maintain the position but Messing is very close to passing his half guard.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sparks looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A looping hook to the body misses from Messing. Sparks does a little dance to reset his feet.
Messing walks into a stiff left hand from Sparks.#T3#
Sparks waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Messing.
Messing misses with a wild body shot.
Nice shot lands for Sparks.
Messing darts in looking for a takedown but Sparks gets double underhooks and turns Messing into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sparks is pressed up against the cage. Messing has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Sparks down to the mat. Sparks avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Messing misses with a straight right.
Sparks throws a shot from downtown. Messing moves away and avoids it.
Messing just misses with a punch to the body.
A little jabbing left from Sparks on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Sparks throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Messing sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sparks tries to clinch up but Messing circles away and keeps his distance.
Messing changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.#T4##TD#
Messing drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Sparks looking to hit a scissor sweep but Messing is one step ahead there.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Sparks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messing not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Sparks working a defensive guard but Messing passes into half guard.
Gerard Messing overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#T5#
Messing not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Messing works his foot free and advances to mount.
Sparks tries to hold on but Messing postures up.
Sparks might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Messing haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Sparks is working to get back to half guard.
Messing working away from the top, dropping strikes.#T6#
Messing with shots to the head and body - Sparks looks very uncomfortable down there. #ROC#Sparks is rocked!
Messing is in full mount looking to finish with strikes. He lands a big shot, followed by another and Sparks goes limp! The ref jumps in to end the fight - a big win for Messing!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:27 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Gerard Messing!
Gerard Messing decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.

Event: TOF 151
Date: Sep 14, 2024

#R1#
Messing looks to throw the jab but Mihaylov is out of range.
Mihaylov blocks a jab.
A little jabbing left from Mihaylov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Mihaylov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Messing misses with a hook
and Mihaylov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Messing tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mihaylov was well out of range. Poor timing from Messing.
Mihaylov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Messing with a body shot.
Messing lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Mihaylov throws a lazy body kick #TD#
and Messing counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Messing.
Messing looking to sit in guard and control but Mihaylov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVB#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Messing looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Messing trying to control the position. #T1#
Messing will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Mihaylov looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Mihaylov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Messing's guard.
Messing trying to control but Mihaylov postures up.
Messing won't allow Mihaylov to pass to mount.
Mihaylov blocks the strikes from Messing. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Messing wants to control but Mihaylov is keeping busy.
Messing wants to improve his position but Mihaylov is controlling well.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Mihaylov is trying to control. Messing wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Mihaylov wants to free his trapped foot but Messing is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Messing is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Messing moves out of range of the leg kick from Mihaylov.
Messing throws a right hand that misses
and Mihaylov counters with a one-two to the body.
Krasimir Mihaylov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T3#
Messing lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Mihaylov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Messing.
Messing connects with a body shot.
Messing ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mihaylov moves away.
Despite the aggression on Mihaylov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Messing misses with a shot to the body
and Mihaylov finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Messing bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Messing attempts a counter takedown but Mihaylov avoids it well and moves away.
Mihaylov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Messing circles away quickly and effectively.
A left lands for Mihaylov.
Messing moves out of range of the strikes.
Messing drops down looking for a counter takedown but Mihaylov sprawls and moves away.#T4#
Messing shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mihaylov as he avoids it easily.
Messing throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #TD#
Messing changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Mihaylov looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mihaylov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Messing wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mihaylov keeps working.
Messing in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Mihaylov is not content to let Messing control the position.
Mihaylov tries to improve position but can't. #T5#
Messing working the ground and pound but Mihaylov is defending the strikes.
We've been hearing that Messing has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Messing looking to control but instead Mihaylov has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Messing prevents Mihaylov from improving his position.
Mihaylov regains full guard. Nicely done.
Messing lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Mihaylov keeping moving, preventing Messing from controlling successfully.
Mihaylov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Messing's guard. #REVB##T6#
Messing looking to control but Mihaylov passes into half guard.
Messing is looking for a sweep. Mihaylov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#SUB2#
Mihaylov is working for a kimura but Messing is defending it quite comfortably.
Messing tries to get to full guard but Mihaylov has control of the leg.
Messing is refusing to be controlled, as Mihaylov sits in half guard. #T7#
Mihaylov prevents Messing from improving his position.
Messing might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
The fighters are battling for position here. Messing manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Mihaylov preventing the sweep.
Mihaylov looking to sit in guard and control but Messing gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Mihaylov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Mihaylov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Messing can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself. #T8#
Mihaylov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Messing.
Mihaylov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Messing keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Mihaylov's head.
Messing keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Mihaylov's head.
Messing postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Messing passes into half guard.
Messing working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that. #T9#
Mihaylov slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Messing looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Messing is working Mihaylov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Messing postures up in Mihaylov's guard and throws a big left but Mihaylov blocks it. #SUB2#
Mihaylov working for submissions but it's allowed Messing to get to half guard.
Messing seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Messing dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Messing tries for a takedown but Mihaylov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Messing takes a swing at Mihaylov's ribcage but misses.
Mihaylov misses the shot to the body.
Messing feinted with a counter takedown.
A chopping leg kick lands by Mihaylov. #CL2#
Mihaylov instigates a clinch.
Mihaylov has a couple of punches blocked by Messing. #BC#
Messing manages to break the clinch.
Messing throws a body shot but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messing shoots for a double leg takedown but Mihaylov sprawls well. He's pushed Messing's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Mihaylov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Messing.
Messing misses the jab.
Mihaylov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.#T1#
Messing throws a lazy uppercut
and Mihaylov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Messing shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Messing swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Messing lands a nice looking body shot.
Messing takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Mihaylov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Mihaylov slips a jab from Messing.
Messing moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromMihaylov.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Messing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mihaylov connects with a nice looking jab. #CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.#T2#
Mihaylov misses with the combination.
Mihaylov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Messing moves away.#TD#
Messing shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#SUB#
Messing wants to work for an arm triangle but Mihaylov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Mihaylov is pressing down on Messing's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#T3#
Messing passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Mihaylov is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Messing cracks Mihaylov with a big right hand but Mihaylov just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Messing landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Mihaylov gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Messing working the ground and pound effectively.
Messing lands a heavy elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T4##SUB#
Messing goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Mihaylov turns into him and now he's in Messing's guard.
Mihaylov is pushing down on Messing's leg trying to pass to half guard. Messing is fighting to maintain full guard but Mihaylov has managed to sneak the leg through.
Messing is looking for a sweep. Mihaylov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#SUB2#
Mihaylov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Messing has managed to free his arm - good work. #T5#
Messing makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Messing.
Messing working a defensive guard but Mihaylov manages to pass into side control anyway.
Messing tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Mihaylov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Messing is working hard here to advance position.#SUB2#
Mihaylov working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Messing tries to bench press Mihaylov off him but Mihaylov keeps the position. #T6#
Mihaylov taking a breather here.
Messing gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Gerard Messing overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Messing wants to control but Mihaylov is keeping busy. #SUB2#
Mihaylov is working for a submission of some sort. #T7#
Mihaylov prevents Messing from improving his position.
Messing trying to hold on to Mihaylov's head to control him but Mihaylov postures up.
Messing wants to get back to full guard but Mihaylov has passed into side control.#T8#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Messing is looking for a sweep.
Mihaylov is staying tight to Messing's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Messing can't do much from the bottom here. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Messing fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Mihaylov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Mihaylov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Messing is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Mihaylov's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
A telegraphed right hand from Mihaylov misses the target.
Mihaylov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Messing.#T9#
Mihaylov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Messing blocks the body kick.
Messing blocks a low kick nicely.#CL2#
Mihaylov has Messing up against the cage in a clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Messing.
Messing is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#TD#
Messing has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Mihaylov regains guard immediately.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Mihaylov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Krasimir Mihaylov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Gerard Messing's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Mihaylov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Messing manages to avoid it.
A jab from Messing misses.
Messing steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Mihaylov.
Messing avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Messing misses with a lunging right hand
and Mihaylov counters with a body kick that stops Messing in his tracks momentarily.
Messing defending well as Mihaylov loads up on a big left hand.
Messing appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messing looks to throw the jab but Mihaylov is out of range.
Messing throws an off balance right hand
enabling Mihaylov to counter with a crisp jab.
Messing shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Mihaylov as he jumps to the side. #T1#
Mihaylov scores with a spinning back kick!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Messing shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mihaylov sprawls well. Mihaylov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Messing gets slowly back to his feet.
Messing throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Mihaylov throws out a counter right but Messing avoids it with no problem.
Messing blocks a low kick nicely.
Mihaylov connects with a solid leg kick. #T2#
Mihaylov scores with a jab. Messing acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Messing's corner calls for a 1-2. Messing obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Messing throws out a powerful jab.
Mihaylov looks to land a right hand but Messing moved out of range.
Messing feinted with a counter takedown.
A good leg kick by Mihaylov.
Messing shoots and misses
and Mihaylov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mihaylov throws a nice head kick!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mihaylov tries a head kick but it misses.
Mihaylov lands a jab to the head.
Krasimir Mihaylov seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T3#
Messing cracks a nice hook into Mihaylov's ribs.
Jab, jab by Mihaylov - just one landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Messing. Mihaylov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mihaylov tries to clinch up.
Mihaylov stuffs the takedown attempt from Messing. Messing gets slowly back to his feet.
Messing swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A left lands for Messing.#T4#
Mihaylov just misses with a punch to the body.
Messing ducks right into an uppercut from Mihaylov.
Mihaylov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
An inside leg kick lands from Mihaylov. #CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Mihaylov is pressed up against the cage. Messing has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Mihaylov down to the mat. Mihaylov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Mihaylov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Messing manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.#TD#
Messing looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.#T5#
Messing drops an elbow to the side of Mihaylov's head.
Mihaylov is looking to improve his position.
Mihaylov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Messing lands a nice short elbow.
Mihaylov gets back to full guard. #SUB2#
Mihaylov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Messing can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Mihaylov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T6#
Messing scoring with some ground and pound.
Mihaylov looking for a sweep. Not yet Mihaylov, not yet.
Messing wants to pass the guard but Mihaylov is keeping the position.#SUB2#
Mihaylov looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Messing passes into half guard. #SUB#
Messing is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game. #T7#
Mihaylov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Messing is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Mihaylov is trying to get back to full guard.
Messing is stalling here. Mihaylov is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Messing seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Mihaylov has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work. #T8#
Messing tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Messing manages to work his way to half guard, despite Mihaylov's best efforts.
Messing is looking for a sweep. Mihaylov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#SUB2#
Mihaylov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Messing tries to get to full guard but Mihaylov has control of the leg. #T9#
Messing gets full guard.
Mihaylov sitting in guard here, content to control.
Messing is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Mihaylov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Messing looking to control. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
Krasimir Mihaylov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Mihaylov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Krasimir Mihaylov!
A victorious Krasimir Mihaylov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: TOF 141
Date: Aug 11, 2024

#R1#
Nice defenses there by Hekkala.
A jab lands there for Messing.#CUT#It looks like Horus Hekkala has been cut.
Messing fails with a takedown attempt.
Hekkala tries to clinch but Messing is having none of it.
Messing gets cracked there but stands up to it. #CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.
Messing takes a swing at Hekkala's ribcage but misses.
Hekkala now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Messing loads up on a big right hand but Hekkala slips the punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messing looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Hekkala is fending him off so far but Messing persists. Nope, Hekkala circles away and we're back to standing.
Hekkala looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Messing takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hekkala avoids the body shot from Messing.
Messing swings and misses with a hook to the body. #T1#
Messing fails to land with a series of punches. #CL2#
Hekkala clinches up against the cage.
Messing goes for a takedown attempt but Hekkala pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Messing swings for the body but Hekkala moves out of range.
Hekkala throws out a counter right but Messing avoids it with no problem.
Messing lands with a right hand.
Messing looks to score with a jab to the body but Hekkala is just out of range.
Gerard Messing seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#TD#
Hekkala tries to sprawl but Messing drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Hekkala is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Hekkala manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Hekkala is pulling down on Messing's head to control his posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Hekkala keeping moving, preventing Messing from controlling successfully.
Messing stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hekkala swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hekkala pulls Messing in close to prevent any damage.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Hekkala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Messing with a flurry of punches that miss.
Messing pushing down on Hekkala's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work. #T3#
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Messing is pressing down on Hekkala's thigh, looking to free his foot. Hekkala is holding on for now.
Messing is thwarting Hekkala's attempts to control the position.#SUB#
Messing is looking for a kimura but Hekkala is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Messing to get the leverage. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Messing throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hekkala cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Messing comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Messing is looking to wear down Hekkala with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Hekkala is looking to clinch.
Hekkala throws a sloppy head kick and Messing moves out of range easily. #T4#
Messing shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hekkala connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A low kick from Hekkala is predictable there #TD#
and Messing decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Hekkala's guard.
Hekkala is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Messing throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Messing might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Hekkala is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messing passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Hekkala is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T5#
Messing landing strikes.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Hekkala is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The strikes coming from Messing are missing the target in this wave of attacks. #SUB#
Messing is trying to get an arm triangle but Hekkala is defending well.
Messing wants to control but Hekkala is keeping him busy. #T6#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Messing tries to score with some ground and pound. Hekkala controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Messing throwing shots but missing, from side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Messing creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Hekkala sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Messing trying to control the action but Hekkala is working from the bottom. #T7#
Messing takes a little break here. Hekkala wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Hekkala dodges the ground and pound from Messing.
The strikes coming from Messing are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hekkala tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Messing wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hekkala slips under a jab.
Messing throws a shot from downtown. Hekkala moves away and avoids it.
Hekkala looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.#T8#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Hekkala throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Messing connects with a good right hand that stumbles Hekkala. Hekkala circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Hekkala walks into a stiff left hand from Messing.
Hekkala is looking to clinch.
Messing misses with an uppercut.
Hekkala moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Messing fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hekkala uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Messing.
Hekkala delivers a nice body kick.
Messing takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing. #T9#
Hekkala wants to land a leg kick but Messing is out of range.
Hekkala lands a head shot.
Messing lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Messing waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hekkala.
Messing tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hekkala was well out of range. Poor timing from Messing.
Hekkala appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Messing fails with the takedown
and Hekkala counters with a nice low kick that buckles Messing's knee momentarily.#TD#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Messing.
Messing has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hekkala can't do much from the bottom here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Messing dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Hekkala connects with a nice looking jab.
Messing looks to land a right hand but Hekkala moved out of range.
Messing takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Messing waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hekkala.
Hekkala uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Messing has time to react.
A slapping leg kick lands for Hekkala.
Gerard Messing is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hekkala tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Messing manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hekkala throws a body kick despite being completely out of range#TD#
and Messing counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Messing wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hekkala keeps working.
Messing not landing any meaningful shots this time. #T1#
Messing trying to mount his opponent but Hekkala defends it. #SUB#
Messing seems to be looking for submissions.
Messing wants to pass to mount but Hekkala is defending the position.
Messing takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Messing throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Hekkala is trying to maintain the position but Messing is very close to passing his half guard.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Messing is trying to control the action in half guard but Hekkala is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Messing changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hekkala tries to avoid it but Messing manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hekkala to the ground. Hekkala escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Messing misses with a right hand
and Hekkala counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Hekkala catches Messing with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!#CL2#
Hekkala gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A shot in the inside from Hekkala. #ROC2#Messing is rocked!
Hekkala tries to work over Messing's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Messing tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hekkala's elbow.
Hekkala has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Hekkala makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Oh Messing is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Messing can't get the takedown. #T3#
A short left from Hekkala.
Hekkala throws a big uppercut that drops Messing! More strikes from Hekkala and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Messing lies dazed against the cage as Hekkala celebrates with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:14 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Horus Hekkala!
After winning the bout, Horus Hekkala thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: TOF 129
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Diabeetus bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Messing's head.#CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.#TD#
Messing closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Diabeetus's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Messing lands a couple of elbows.
Messing looking to pass the guard.
Messing throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Messing missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Diabeetus keeping full guard, as Messing tries to pass.
Messing throws a big elbow that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diabeetus utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Messing trying to control but Diabeetus is working from the bottom. #T1#
Messing's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Messing chips away with some ground and pound.
Messing landing with the ground and pound.
Messing throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Messing in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Messing sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Diabeetus keeping moving, preventing Messing from controlling successfully.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Diabeetus uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Messing.
Diabeetus tests Messing's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Messing gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Diabeetus takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Messing shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Diabeetus takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Messing pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Messing looks to throw the jab but Diabeetus is out of range.
Diabeetus thows a left - swing and a miss! #T3#
Nice defenses there by Messing.
Messing drops down looking for a counter takedown but Diabeetus sprawls and moves away.
Diabeetus bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Diabeetus fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Messing on the side of the head.
Messing scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Suga Diabeetus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Diabeetus uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Messing.
Messing slips a jab from Diabeetus.
Diabeetus looks to land a right hand but Messing moved out of range.
Messing misses with a hook. Diabeetus ducked under it nicely.
Diabeetus throws a hook but Messing blocks it.
Messing ducks under a wild hook from Diabeetus.
Messing appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Messing takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A slow jab from Diabeetus misses its intended target.
Messing throws an overhand right that lands on Diabeetus's shoulder, as Diabeetus tries to avoid the shot.
It seemed like Diabeetus was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Messing looks to throw the jab but Diabeetus is out of range. #T4#
Diabeetus with a jab.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Diabeetus throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Diabeetus keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Messing takes one on the button.
Messing tries for a takedown but Diabeetus sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Messing scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Diabeetus doesn't seem bothered though.
Messing slips a jab from Diabeetus.
Diabeetus cracks Messing with a good jab.#CUT2#Gerard Messing's cut is getting worse.
Diabeetus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Messing.
Diabeetus pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Suga Diabeetus is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Diabeetus lands a nice shot that snaps Messing's head back. #ROC2#Messing is rocked!#TD#
Messing dives in and scores a takedown into Diabeetus's guard.#T5#
Diabeetus keeping moving, preventing Messing from controlling successfully.
Diabeetus avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Messing wants to control from the top but Diabeetus keeps moving.
Messing postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Messing passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Messing looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Diabeetus is avoiding damage well.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Diabeetus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T6#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Messing working the ground and pound but Diabeetus is defending the strikes.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Diabeetus can do anything to dispel that myth.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Diabeetus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Diabeetus is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Messing has just dragged him back down to the mat.#T7#
Diabeetus is not content to let Messing control the position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.#REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Messing scores with a hook.
Messing swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A swing and a miss from Messing.
Diabeetus might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Diabeetus tests Messing's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Messing tries to bum rush Diabeetus with a series of wild strikes but Diabeetus uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Diabeetus swings for the body but Messing moves out of range. #KD2#
Diabeetus drops Messing with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Messing looks back up at him and smiles so Diabeetus waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed. #T8#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Diabeetus throws a poor cross that misses #TD#
so Messing counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
We've been hearing that Messing has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Messing in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Diabeetus is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Messing dives into side control.
Messing taking a breather here.
Messing has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Messing lands a nice forearm strike.
Diabeetus wants to get back to his feet but Messing drags him back down.#T9#
Diabeetus really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Messing. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Messing wants to control but Diabeetus is keeping him busy.
Messing in side control, throwing shots but Diabeetus defends.
An elbow from Messing crashes against the mat.
Messing landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
An elbow from Messing crashes against the mat. #SUB#
Messing tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Messing misses with the ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Suga Diabeetus will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gerard Messing's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Diabeetus scores with a jab to the jaw.
Messing uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Diabeetus.
Messing wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Diabeetus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Messing.
Messing waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Diabeetus.
Messing looks to land a combination but Diabeetus avoids it well.
Diabeetus throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A jab lands there for Messing.#TD#
Messing throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Diabeetus tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Messing is in Diabeetus's guard.
Messing postures up and lands a big shot to Diabeetus's brow.
Diabeetus is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Messing is controlling him.
Messing working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Diabeetus's head.#T1#
Messing throws a strike but Diabeetus rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
Messing is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Messing is working hard here to advance position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Messing is on top in guard. #REVR#
Messing with a flurry of punches that miss.
Messing is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Messing has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Messing trying to control but Diabeetus is working from the bottom. #T2#
Messing tries to free his leg and advance position but Diabeetus is retaining full guard.
Messing throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Diabeetus works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Messing working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Messing accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Messing connects with a couple of short punches.
Messing content to stall in guard here.
Messing throws an elbow that misses. Diabeetus uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Messing's guard. Nice move by Diabeetus!#REVB##T3#
Messing looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it. #SUB#
Messing looking for a guillotine here but Diabeetus defends easily.
Diabeetus must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.#SUB#
Messing working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Diabeetus has passed into half guard! #T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Messing is looking to improve his position.
Diabeetus wants to stand up but Messing is controlling the position.
Messing is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Messing is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Diabeetus jumps into side control!#T5#
You can see the frustration on Messing's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Diabeetus wants to stand but Messing is controlling his arm.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Messing swings widly with a right hand
and Diabeetus cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Diabeetus scores with a body shot.
Diabeetus misses with a right hand
and Messing cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Messing scores with a punch to the head.
Suga Diabeetus seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T6#
Messing scores with a nice strike.
Diabeetus uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Messing.
Diabeetus misses with a hook.
Messing appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Messing misses the shot to the body.
Diabeetus misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Messing.
Diabeetus throws a body shot but no joy.
Nice defenses there by Messing.
Diabeetus lands a nice hook to Messing's body. Messing takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Diabeetus misses with a hook. Messing ducked under it nicely.
Messing keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The fighters circling - Diabeetus throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Messing tests Diabeetus's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Messing throws the left hand but Diabeetus avoids the punch easily.#T7#
Messing fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Messing looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Diabeetus comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Messing keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Diabeetus. Messing does a little dance to reset his feet.
Diabeetus throws out a loose jab but Messing uses good head movement to avoid it.
Diabeetus missing with a left hand there. Messing was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Messing shoots in for a takedown but Diabeetus shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Messing lands a nice hook to Diabeetus's body. Diabeetus takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
A slow jab from Diabeetus misses its intended target. #T8#
A swing and a miss from Messing.
Diabeetus doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Diabeetus looks to land a left hand but Messing moved out of range nicely.
Messing throws a hook but Diabeetus blocks it.
Diabeetus swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Messing swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Diabeetus counters with a nice uppercut.
Messing misses with a body shot.
Diabeetus looks to score with a jab to the body but Messing is just out of range.
Messing drops down looking for a counter takedown but Diabeetus sprawls and moves away.
Diabeetus moves out of range of the strikes.
Messing blocks a jab.
Messing takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure. #CUT2#Gerard Messing's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Messing looks to land a left hand but Diabeetus moved out of range nicely.
Messing fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T9#
Diabeetus works the jab nicely.
Diabeetus scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Oh Messing is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Diabeetus rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Messing cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Diabeetus thuds a left hand into Messing's body.
Messing seems to have got his legs back now.
Messing misses with a wild combination.
Diabeetus throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Diabeetus looks to land a right hand but Messing moved out of range.
Diabeetus lands the left hand.
Diabeetus cracks Messing with a hook to the temple - Messing is on wobbly legs here! Diabeetus swarms him with hook after hook, landing with each one! Messing falls to the canvas face first and the referee dives in to stop the fight! Diabeetus wins by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 9:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Suga Diabeetus!
An out of breath Suga Diabeetus thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: TOF 123
Date: Jun 16, 2024

#R1#
Merchant throws a lazy uppercut #TD2#
and Messing counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Merchant gets full guard.
Merchant seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Merchant is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Merchant working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Messing.
Messing working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Merchant's head.
Messing keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Merchant's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messing slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Merchant tries to bench press Messing off him but Messing keeps the position.
Messing controlling from side mount. #T1#
Messing cracks Merchant with a big elbow.
Messing working the strikes but Merchant uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Messing thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas. #SUB2#
Messing seems to be working for a kimura but Merchant defends the submission attempt.
Messing wants to free his trapped foot but Merchant is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Merchant preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Messing is thwarting Merchant's attempts to control the position.
Merchant is trying is best to control the position here.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Messing working his ground and pound in the gym.
Messing slips a nice elbow through Merchant's hands, connecting with Merchant's forehead.
Messing is thwarting Merchant's attempts to control the position.
Messing throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Messing trying to control from half guard but Merchant is working away.
Merchant trying to control from the bottom. #T3#
Messing content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Messing trying to control the action but Merchant is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Merchant shoots in and drives through. Messing sprawls well.
Messing cracks Merchant with a good jab.
Messing throws a jab when Merchant was well out of range.
A quick step to the side and Merchant tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Messing connects with a jab.#CUT2#It looks like Devon Merchant has been cut.
Messing tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Merchant was well out of range. Poor timing from Messing.
Merchant definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Messing shoots in but Merchant avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Merchant attempts a counter takedown but Messing avoids it well and moves away.
Merchant throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #T4#
Messing misses with an uppercut.
Gerard Messing seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Messing fails with a takedown attempt.
Messing lands with a shot to the body. #TD2#
Messing shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Messing thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Merchant avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Messing.
Merchant has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Messing is working away from the top position though.#T5#
Merchant wants to get back to full guard but Messing has mounted him!
Messing raining down hammerfists from mount.
Messing tries to control but Merchant wriggling away.
Messing avoids the attempt from Merchant to control.
Merchant takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Messing putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Messing postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Merchant looks a forlorn figure.
A big strike lands for Messing! That's really hurt Merchant and he's turned his back - Messing keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Messing jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Gerard Messing!
Gerard Messing decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.

Event: TOF 101
Date: Apr 13, 2024

#R1#
Punch moves away from the strike by Messing. #TD2#
Messing closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Messing lands in his opponent's guard.
Messing working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Messing throwing strikes but missing.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Punch is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messing postures up in Punch's guard and throws a big left but Punch blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messing throws an elbow that misses. Punch uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Messing's guard. Nice move by Punch!#REVR#
Messing looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T1#
Messing looking to control.
Messing is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Messing looking to control but Punch passes into half guard.
Messing felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Messing controlling the position well.
Punch prevents Messing from improving his position.#T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.#SUB2#
Messing looking for submissions off his back.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Messing is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Punch looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.#T3#
Punch looks to land a body kick but Messing moved away.
Messing shoots and misses
and Punch cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Punch misses with a wild body shot.
And Messing tries to counter it with a takedown but Punch pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Messing wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Punch fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Messing keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Messing lands with a cross.
Punch dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Punch throws a leg kick that misses.
Punch throws a low kick but Messing moves out of range easily.
Punch clobbers Messing with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise. #T4#
Punch tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Messing was well out of range. Poor timing from Punch.
Punch just misses with a punch to the body.
Messing misses with an uppercut.
Punch throwing a counter right hand but Messing manages to avoid it.
Punch is looking to wear down Messing with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Messing closes the distance and clinches up with Punch, looking for a takedown. Messing pushes Punch against the cage but Punch circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Messing moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Punch swings for the body but Messing moves out of range.
Punch lands with a shot to the body.
Punch fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Messing throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Punch keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Messing.
Punch lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
The fighters circling - Messing throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Messing takes one on the button.#CUT#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.
Messing lands the left hand.
The crowd cheers as Punch lands an impressive looking overhand right. Messing doesn't seem phased though.#T5#
Messing moves out of range as Punch strikes.
Messing misses with a takedown attempt
and Punch counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Thunda Punch has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gerard Messing.
Messing connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.#KD#
Punch lands a big uppercut and Messing crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Messing looks OK. Punch waves Messing back to his feet!#ROC#Messing is rocked!
Punch steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Messing.
Messing is still on wobbly legs! Can Punch finish him?
Messing throws an overhand right that lands on Punch's shoulder, as Punch tries to avoid the shot.
Messing seems to have recovered his senses.
Punch moves out of range as Messing strikes.
Punch misses with a body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Punch moves out of range as Messing strikes.
Punch lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Messing at a distance.
Punch throws a body punch but Messing moves out of range.
Messing throws a jab when Punch was well out of range.#KD#
Punch lands a big right hand that sends Messing crashing to the mat! Punch stays standing though and waves Messing back to his feet!
Thunda Punch seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#KD#
Punch lands a big right hand that sends Messing crashing to the mat! Punch stays standing though and waves Messing back to his feet!#T6#
Punch drops a shoulder and throws an uppercut that cracks Messing right on the button. Messing goes down! Punch follows him to the mat and finishes the job with more strikes! Punch gets the win via TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 6:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Thunda Punch!

Event: TOF 91
Date: Mar 22, 2024

#R1#
Vayrynen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Messing drops down looking for a counter takedown but Vayrynen sprawls and moves away.
Vayrynen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Messing scores with a jab. Vayrynen acknowledges it with a nod of the head. #CUT#It looks like Paavo Vayrynen has been cut.
Messing stuffs the takedown attempt from Vayrynen. Vayrynen gets slowly back to his feet.
Vayrynen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Messing.
Vayrynen takes a swing at Messing's ribcage but misses.
Vayrynen fails with an attempt to clinch.
Messing lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Vayrynen circles away quickly and effectively.
Vayrynen looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Vayrynen bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Messing's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vayrynen swings widly with a right hand #TD#
and Messing counters with a single leg into guard. Vayrynen didn't expect that.
Messing working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound. #SUB2#
Vayrynen looking for a guillotine here but Messing defends easily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Vayrynen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T1#
Vayrynen utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Messing sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Vayrynen's guard.
Vayrynen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Messing is working away from the top position though.
Messing not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Vayrynen wants to control but Messing is keeping busy and won't allow it. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Messing working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Vayrynen's thigh. Vayrynen counters though and makes it back to full guard.
We've been hearing that Messing has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.#SUB2#
Vayrynen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #SUB2#
Messing has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Vayrynen to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Messing is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Vayrynen pulls down on the head and he's put Messing to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Paavo Vayrynen!
An out of breath Paavo Vayrynen thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: TOF 83
Date: Mar 02, 2024

#R1#
Messing tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Karter was well out of range. Poor timing from Messing.
Karter's coach down at Casa Steel was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Karter's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Karter lands with a hook. Messing tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head. #CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.
Messing tests Karter's chin there with a solid looking shot.#CUT#It looks like Lamar Karter has been cut.
Messing looks to score with a jab to the body but Karter is just out of range.
Messing tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Messing misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Karter. #TD#
Messing drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Messing throws a big right hand that misses.
Messing trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Karter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messing throwing strikes but missing. #T1#
Messing throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Karter works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Messing passes Karter's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
We've been hearing that Messing has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Messing throws a strike but Karter avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Messing throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Karter works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Messing sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Messing's corner. There ya go! There ya go! #T2#
Karter has control of Messing's left arm, preventing Messing from doing any damage.
Messing slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.#SUB#
Messing tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Messing has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Karter managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Messing.
Karter really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Messing. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Messing trying to control the position but Karter is working away.
Karter prevents Messing from moving into mount. #T3#
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Karter is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Messing fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Karter is not content to let Messing control the position.
Messing working the ground and pound but Karter is defending the strikes.
Karter managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Messing. #T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Messing scores with punches from side control.
Messing wants to control but Karter is keeping him busy.
Karter wants to control but Messing postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messing in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Karter can do anything to dispel that myth.
Karter wants to control but Messing postures up.
The referee asks Messing politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Messing prefers to stall for the moment though.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Karter is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Karter is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Messing's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.#T5#
Messing slows the pace down in half guard.
Messing throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Messing thows a huge punch but Karter dodges it nicely.
Messing sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Karter defending well though.
Karter has hold of Messing's hands but Messing slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Messing has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Messing missing with the ground and pound from half guard. #T6#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Messing lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Karter wants to control but Messing is keeping busy.
Messing seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Karter does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Messing takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#CUT#That has opened up Lamar Karter's cut even more.
Messing controlling the pace.
Karter is not content to let Messing control the position.#T7#
Messing sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Karter defending well though.
Messing is keen to just control but Karter is a slippery customer.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Still in half guard, Messing seems content to control.#REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Gerard Messing seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Karter pushes Messing away with a front kick.
Messing catches Karter with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!#CUT#The cut above Lamar Karter's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Messing throws a shot from downtown. Karter moves away and avoids it.
Karter moves away from the strike by Messing.
Messing rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Karter counters with a thumping low kick.
Karter scores with a body shot. #T8#
Messing shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Karter defends it nicely.
Karter avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Messing backing away here, and Karter unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Karter throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Messing swings widly with a right hand
and Karter counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Messing stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Karter.
Messing takes a swing at Karter's ribcage but misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#KD2#
Karter lands a big right hand that sends Messing crashing to the mat! Karter stays standing though and waves Messing back to his feet!
Messing misses with a wild body shot. #T9#
Karter pivots, looking for a leg kick but Messing is out of range and Karter settles back down.
Messing has a takedown stuffed.
Karter connects with a right hand. Messing shakes it off.
Messing shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Karter counters with a nice uppercut. #CUT2#Gerard Messing's cut is getting worse.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Messing throws a jab but it's blocked by Karter.
Messing misses with a looping right.
Karter follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Karter scores with a nice body kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Gerard Messing will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Messing swings away with a body shot that misses
and Karter counters with an inside leg kick.
Karter misses with a wild body shot.
Messing tries to counter with a takedown but Karter is quick to defend against it.
Messing gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Karter counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Karter bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Karter takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Messing tries for a takedown but Karter circles away easily#KD2#
and Karter counters with a crisp right hand that drops Messing! Karter lets Messing back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Karter jabs Messing to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Messing misses with a hook
and Karter counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.#T1#
That kick from Karter tenderised Messing's leg. Messing is trying to keep his angry face on.
Karter stuns Messing with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Karter scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Karter has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Karter dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Messing. That did some damage!
Messing throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Karter counters with a nice body shot.
Karter lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Karter drops Messing with a straight right hand, right on the button! Karter follows him down to the mat and pounds him out with hammerfists until the referee jumps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Lamar Karter!

Event: TOF 75
Date: Feb 03, 2024

#R1#
Good exchange - Messing coming out on top.
A cross from Leao lands.#CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.
Leao lands a nice looking body shot. #KD2#
Leao lands a big right hand that sends Messing crashing to the mat! Leao stays standing though and waves Messing back to his feet!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Messing misses with a wild body shot.
Leao wants to land a leg kick but Messing is out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Messing misses the target.
Nice jab there from Leao.
Messing misses with an uppercut.
A low kick lands for Leao.
Messing fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Leao manages to avoid it.
Messing rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Leao counters with a thumping low kick.
Danga de danga de dang - Leao scores with a four punch combination!
Leao uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Messing.
Messing just misses with a punch to the body. #T1#
Messing misses with a straight right.
No luck for Messing with that takedown attempt.
Leao misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Good work by Messing as he checks the leg kick.
No luck for Messing with that takedown attempt.
Decent striking displayed by Leao there.
Messing uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Leao.
Leao uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Messing.
Messing fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Leao manages to avoid it.
Messing is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Leao's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Leao keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot. #T2#
Messing closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Leao tries to work over Messing's front leg with a kick but Messing checks it.
Messing was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Horrible takedown attempt by Messing or perhaps it was just good defense by Leao, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Messing with a jab.
Leao connects with a leg kick.
Leao pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Leao throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Leao jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Messing defending well as Leao loads up on a big left hand.
Leao slips a jab from Messing.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Leao! But no joy.#T3#
Messing takes one on the button.
Messing just misses with a punch to the body.
Leao has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Leandro Leao is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Messing misses with a left hand
and Leao counters with a leg kick.
Leao lands a jab.
Messing missing with a left hand there. Leao was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Messing looks to throw the jab but Leao is out of range.
Leao swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Messing misses with a takedown attempt #KD2#
and Leao counters with a crisp right hand that drops Messing! Leao lets Messing back up to his feet, looking for a finish!#ROC2#Messing is rocked!#CUT2#Gerard Messing's cut is getting worse.
This has been an exciting period of action!
That kick from Leao tenderised Messing's leg. Messing is trying to keep his angry face on.
Oh Messing is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Messing throws an off balance right hand
and Leao counters with a huge right that knocks Messing out cold! Leao is running around with a crazed look on his face - you can see how much that meant to him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Leandro Leao!
Our winner, Leandro Leao, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

Event: TOF 68
Date: Jan 07, 2024

#R1##TD#
Magabi gets caught napping as Messing dives in and scores a takedown. Magabi manages to retain guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Magabi looking for a sweep. Not yet Magabi , not yet.
Messing postures up in Magabi 's guard and throws a big left but Magabi blocks it.
Messing throws a big right hand that misses.
Messing wants to control from the top but Magabi keeps moving.
Messing stays in close to Magabi 's body and controls the position.
Messing throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Magabi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magabi seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Messing in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #T1##SUB#
Messing postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Magabi is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Messing, into his guard. #REVB#
Messing wants to control the position but Magabi says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Messing's coaches at Trials Of Fortitude have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
Magabi prevents Messing from improving his position.#T2#
Messing has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Magabi is working away from the top position though.
Messing is looking to improve his position.
Magabi sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Messing is trying to get back to full guard.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T3#
Messing throws a big shot that misses.#TD#
Messing drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Messing wants to control from the top but Magabi keeps moving.
Messing throwing strikes but missing.
Messing trying to control but Magabi is working from the bottom.
Magabi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Messing is one step ahead there. #T4#
Messing scoring with some ground and pound.
Messing throwing strikes but missing.
Messing throws an elbow that misses. Magabi uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Messing's guard. Nice move by Magabi !#REVB#
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Messing is on top in guard. #REVR#
Messing trying to control but Magabi is working from the bottom. #T5#
Magabi can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Messing controls the pace.
Messing is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Magabi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Magabi is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Messing trying to control but Magabi is working from the bottom.
Messing lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.#CUT#It looks like Mombasa Magabi has been cut.#T6#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Messing scoring with punches to the head and body.
Messing has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Messing stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Magabi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but Magabi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messing wants to pass the guard but Magabi is keeping the position.
Magabi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #T7#
Messing postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Magabi keeping moving, preventing Messing from controlling successfully.
Magabi keeping full guard, as Messing tries to pass.
Messing postures up in Magabi 's guard and throws a big left but Magabi blocks it. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Messing's corner calls for a 1-2. Messing obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Magabi slips under a jab.
It seemed like Magabi was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Mombasa Magabi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Messing staying out of range there.
Messing feinted with a counter takedown.#T8#
Messing shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Magabi pinned against the cage. Magabi gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Messing throws a right and a left that Magabi avoids nicely.
A little jabbing left from Magabi on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Magabi thuds his right hand into Messing's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Messing doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Messing shoots in but no luck this time.
Messing misses with a jab to the body
and Magabi counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Messing swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Messing takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Messing misses with a body shot.
Magabi looks like he wants to counter punch here.#T9#
Magabi misses with a looping left.
Messing is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Magabi misses the jab.
Messing was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
A looping hook to the body misses from Messing. Magabi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Magabi was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Magabi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Messing.
It seemed like Magabi was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Magabi moves out of range as Messing strikes.
Messing throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Messing looks for a takedown but Magabi sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Messing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A nice leg kick lands there from Magabi .
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Messing dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mombasa Magabi 's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Magabi scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Mombasa Magabi seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Magabi takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Messing dives in and grabs Magabi 's left leg, looking for a takedown. Magabi pushes down on Messing's head and hops out.
Magabi throws a body kick despite being completely out of range#TD#
and Messing counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Messing missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Messing performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Messing throwing shots but Magabi is blocking nicely.
Magabi felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magabi wants to get back to full guard.#T1#
Messing winds up and cracks Magabi with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Magabi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #SUB#
Messing looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Messing throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Messing throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage. #SUB#
Messing is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Magabi doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Messing.
Magabi blocking the ground and pound attempt from Messing.
Magabi keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Messing trying to mount his opponent but Magabi defends it.
Messing is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Magabi can do to turn this around?#T3#
Magabi is trying to get back to full guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#SUB#
Messing wants to work for an arm triangle but Magabi is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Magabi sizes up Messing with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Magabi throws a hook to the side of Messing's head but Messing sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Magabi lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Magabi scores with a jab. Messing acknowledges it with a nod of the head. #CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.
A punch combination from Messing misses. #T4#
Magabi misses with a low kick.
Messing throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Magabi scores with a leg kick.
Magabi misses with a right hand #TD#
and Messing counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Messing throwing strikes but missing.
Messing wants to control from the top but Magabi keeps moving.
Messing working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Magabi 's head.#CUT#That has opened up Mombasa Magabi 's cut even more.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Messing trying to control but Magabi is working from the bottom. #T5#
Magabi utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Messing connects with a couple of short punches.
Messing throwing strikes but missing.
Messing trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Messing is working hard here to advance position.#T6#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Messing's corner is telling him to maintain position.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Nice cross by Messing.
Magabi lands with a straight right. Messing didn't see that one coming.
Magabi throws out a loose jab but Messing uses good head movement to avoid it.
Messing throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Messing looks to score with a jab to the body but Magabi is just out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Magabi ! But no joy.
Magabi wants to land a leg kick but Messing is out of range.
Messing throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Messing fails to land with a series of punches. #T7#
Messing comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.#TD#
Messing closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Messing throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Messing not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Magabi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Messing.
Magabi trying to control from the bottom.
Messing looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Magabi with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position. #CUT#The cut above Mombasa Magabi 's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Messing lands strikes from half guard.#CUT#Mombasa Magabi 's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Mombasa Magabi 's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 8:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Gerard Messing!
In his post fight interview, Gerard Messing started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

Event: TOF 58
Date: Dec 03, 2023

#R1#
A jab from Messing misses.
Messing displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Jack.
Messing throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jack sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Messing throws a jab when Jack was well out of range.
Jack has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Messing is landing a low percentage of strikes.#TD2#
Jack looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Jack is thwarting Messing's attempts to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jack passes the guard and advances to mount!
Jack is landing with some decent strikes but Messing is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.#CUT2#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.
Messing is in all sorts of trouble here.
Jack working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Messing is looking to get to half guard.#T1#
Jack is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Messing can't stay in a position like this for much longer. #SUB2#
Messing is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Jack locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Messing is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Cactus Jack!

Event: TOF 48
Date: Oct 28, 2023

#R1#
Messing throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Strong misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Messing displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Strong throws out the jab.
We've been told by Strong's head coaches at Ragnarok\'s Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Strong lands a nice hook to Messing's body. Messing takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Strong thumps Messing with a low kick.
Crunch! Strong slams his shin into Messing's torso.
Strong connects with a nice looking jab.
Messing looks to land a right hand but Strong moved out of range.
Strong looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Strong dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Strong lands a nice shot to the body.
Strong misses with a kick to the body #TD2#
and Messing counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Strong!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
You can see the frustration on Strong's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Strong is letting Messing control him for a moment. #T1#
Messing working away.
Messing throws an elbow but Strong slips to the side and avoids it well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Strong tries to buck Messing off but Messing is having none of it.
Strong sneaks back into half guard.
Strong gets full guard.
Messing throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Strong wants to stand and escape but Messing is having none of it.
Messing with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Messing forces his way into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Strong is looking to improve his position.
Messing moves nicely into side control.
Messing scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Strong to see if he's OK.
Messing cracks Strong with a big right hand but Strong just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Messing trying to control the position but Strong is working away.
Strong wants to get back to his feet but Messing drags him back down.
Messing works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.#T3#
Messing grinds an elbow into Strong's temple.
Strong looks to move to half guard but instead Messing has passed into mount! Damn!
Strong tries to hold on but Messing pushes him away.
Messing dominating with strikes here.#CUT2#It looks like Lucaerys Strong has been cut.
Messing in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas. #ROC2#Strong is rocked!
Strong takes a big shot to the dome and his eyes have rolled back in his head! Messing's killer instinct has kicked in as he finishes the fight with more strikes. Impressive finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Gerard Messing!
In his post fight interview, Gerard Messing started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

Event: TOF 36
Date: Sep 10, 2023

#R1#
Logan connects with a right hand. Messing shakes it off.
Messing takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Messing lands with an uppercut that bounces Logan off the cage and back into range.#TD2#
Messing scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Logan is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Messing scores with a couple of nice shots.#SUB2#
Messing wants to work for an arm triangle but Logan is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt. #SUB#
Logan looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB#
Logan looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Messing is looking to stall here but Logan recovers full guard.
Logan being controlled here, momentarily. #T1#
Logan trying to keep a closed guard but Messing is proving a slippery customer.
Messing trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Messing not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #SUB#
Messing got a little sloppy there for a moment and Logan has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Messing has managed to get both his arms back between Logan's legs - danger averted.#SUB#
Logan is active off his back here, looking for submissions. #T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Messing is in close to Logan's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Messing trying to control but Logan is working from the bottom.
Logan looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Logan has momentary wrist control but Messing slips an elbow through the middle.#SUB#
Logan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Messing defends well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messing is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Messing trying to control but Logan is working from the bottom.
Logan working a defensive guard here. #T3#
Messing lands a couple of elbows.
Messing postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Messing passes Logan's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Messing not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Messing is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Messing working Logan over with strikes. #SUB#
Messing moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Logan.
Logan taking a bit of punishment here - Messing scoring with strikes. #ROC2#Logan is rocked!#T4#
Messing cracks Logan with a big elbow. Oh, he's hurt! Messing immediately mounts and start dropping bombs! Logan is done! The referee jumps in and saves him from any more punishment - a quick and decisive finish by Messing!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Gerard Messing!

Event: TOF 28
Date: Aug 06, 2023

#R1#
Messing gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Messing fails to land the takedown.
Goodson was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Goodson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.#TD2#
Messing fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Goodson sprawls well initially but Messing persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Messing lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Messing is keen to just control but Goodson is a slippery customer.
Goodson controlling the position for now.
Messing thows a huge punch but Goodson dodges it nicely.
Messing missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Goodson wants to control but Messing is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Messing slips a nice elbow through Goodson's hands, connecting with Goodson's forehead.
Messing stops Goodson from getting back to his feet. #T1#
Goodson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Messing.
Goodson is refusing to be controlled, as Messing sits in half guard.
Goodson definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messing is nestled in close to Goodson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Messing sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Messing lands with a punch from half guard.
Goodson slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Goodson keeping full guard, as Messing tries to pass. #T2#
Goodson keeping moving, preventing Messing from controlling successfully.
Messing scoring with punches to the head and body.
Messing missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Goodson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR##SUB2#
Messing looking for submissions off his back.
Messing is looking to improve his position.
Messing trying to hold on to Goodson's head to control him but Goodson postures up. #T3#
Messing tries to roll over but Goodson keeps him under control.
Goodson tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Messing wants to improve his position but Goodson is controlling well.
Messing wants to control but Goodson is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Messing felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Goodson wants to pass to mount but Messing is defending the position.
Goodson wants to control but Messing is keeping him busy.
Messing wants to get back to full guard.#T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#SU#
Goodson stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Messing to get to his feet.
Goodson lands with a nice body punch.
Good shot there by Goodson.
Messing throws a left and a right that both miss
and Goodson counters with a right hand to the body.
Messing misses with an uppercut
letting Goodson counter with a right hand.
Messing fails to land the takedown.
Goodson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#TD2#
Messing scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Messing throws an elbow but Goodson slips to the side and avoids it well.
Goodson defending against the ground and pound.
Goodson is trying to improve his position.#T5#
Messing wants to control for a moment but Goodson uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Messing thows a huge punch but Goodson dodges it nicely.
Messing thows a huge punch but Goodson dodges it nicely.
Messing wants to control but Goodson is keeping him busy.
Goodson pushes Messing off but Messing dives into side control.
A lull in the action here.
Goodson is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T6#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Messing is looking to take a break and control but Goodson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Messing working the strikes but Goodson uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Goodson wants to get back to full guard.#T7#
Goodson trying to control but Messing postures up.
Goodson is positioning himself well to prevent Messing advancing to mount.
Messing prevents Goodson from improving his position.
Messing wants to lay and pray for a moment but Goodson keeps working. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Messing doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Goodson makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Aaron Goodson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gerard Messing.
Messing moves out of range of the strikes.
Messing misses with a right hand
and Goodson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Goodson tries to clinch there but Messing circles away.
Goodson thuds his right hand into Messing's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.#T8#
Goodson is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Messing tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Goodson was well out of range. Poor timing from Messing.
Goodson lands with a good body shot.
Messing loads up on a big right hand but Goodson slips the punch.
Goodson throws out a loose jab but Messing uses good head movement to avoid it.
Goodson lands with a straight right. Messing didn't see that one coming.#CUT#It looks like Gerard Messing has been cut.
Messing looks to land a right hand but Goodson moved out of range.
Goodson misses with a hook. Messing ducked under it nicely.
Goodson connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Messing momentarily.
Goodson is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Messing pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Goodson takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A combination from Goodson does no damage.
Messing throws a hook to the side of Goodson's head but Goodson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A quick step to the side and Goodson tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.#T9#
A big left from Goodson misses.
Messing takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Goodson buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Goodson slips a jab and a cross from Messing.
Messing takes one on the button.
Messing takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Aaron Goodson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Messing misses with a takedown
and Goodson counters with a straight right hand.
Jab, jab by Goodson - just one landing.
Goodson moves away from the strike by Messing.
Goodson throws a shot to the body.
Messing shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Goodson as he jumps to the side.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron Goodson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gerard Messing's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Messing has a takedown stuffed.
Goodson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Messing can do to turn this around?
Goodson stalks Messing and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Messing's face. Messing staggers backwards, shaken.
Messing shoots in looking for a takedown but Goodson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Messing's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Messing closes this distance looking for a takedown but Goodson circles away.
Aaron Goodson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gerard Messing.
Goodson connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Goodson lands a nice looking body shot.
Goodson lands with an overhand left.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Goodson lands a body shot.
Messing takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Messing takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Messing is breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Goodson lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Messing misses with an uppercut. #T1#
Goodson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.#ROC#Messing is rocked!
Messing shoots for a double leg takedown but Goodson sprawls well. He's pushed Messing's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Messing is still on wobbly legs! Can Goodson finish him?
Messing walks into a jab.
Goodson knocks out Messing with a massive right hand! The ref tackles Goodson before he can follow up with any more strikes and that's it everyone. Goodson picks up the big W with a huge KO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:20 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Aaron Goodson!
Aaron Goodson thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: TOF 23
Date: Jul 09, 2023

#R1##TD2#
Messing looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
CleaPain seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Messing throws a big right hand that misses.
CleaPain working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Messing.
Messing controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Messing throws a big elbow that misses.
CleaPain avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Messing missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Messing throws an elbow that misses. CleaPain uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Messing's guard. Nice move by CleaPain!#REVR#
Messing looking for a sweep. Not yet Messing, not yet.
CleaPain will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.#T1#
Messing pulls CleaPain in close to his closed guard and prevents CleaPain from doing any damage or advancing position.
Messing working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from CleaPain.
Messing is adopting a defensive guard.
Messing avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Messing keeping moving, preventing CleaPain from controlling successfully.
Messing manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. CleaPain manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Messing is stalling in the full guard.
Messing must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Messing tries to free his leg and advance position but CleaPain is retaining full guard. #T2#
CleaPain trying to keep a closed guard but Messing is proving a slippery customer.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Messing accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Messing with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Messing showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Messing throws an elbow that misses. CleaPain uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Messing's guard. Nice move by CleaPain!#REVR#
Messing is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.#T3#
CleaPain controls from within his opponent's guard.
Messing bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in CleaPain's guard. #REVB#
CleaPain manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Messing manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR##SUB2#
Messing looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Messing is adopting a defensive guard.
CleaPain really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
CleaPain throws a big elbow that misses.
CleaPain wants to control from the top but Messing keeps moving.
Messing tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T4#
Messing keeping moving, preventing CleaPain from controlling successfully.
CleaPain postures up in Messing's guard and throws a big left but Messing blocks it.
CleaPain trying to control but Messing is working from the bottom.
Messing pulls CleaPain in close to his closed guard and prevents CleaPain from doing any damage or advancing position.
Messing keeping moving, preventing CleaPain from controlling successfully.
Messing looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Messing utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Messing lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Messing lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.#T5#
Messing is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Messing stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. CleaPain swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Messing looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Messing postures up in CleaPain's guard and throws a big left but CleaPain blocks it. #T6#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Messing lands a couple of elbows.#CUT2#It looks like Gregor CleaPain has been cut.
Messing trying to control the position from guard on top but CleaPain is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Messing with a flurry of punches that miss.
Messing slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Messing trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.#T7#
Messing is looking to work some ground and pound but CleaPain has wrist control.
Messing scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
CleaPain controls Messing momentarily but Messing frees himself.
Messing postures up from his opponent's guard, before exploding into some vicious ground and pound! CleaPain covers up, he's hurt! Messing keeps throwing the strikes, glancing at the referee... Will he stop it?? One more big shot from Messing and the ref steps in to end the fight! Messing can't hide his delight as he celebrates with his corner.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 7:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Gerard Messing!

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: May 05, 2023

#R1#
Philbeck throws a hook but Messing blocks it.
Messing on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Philbeck throws a hook but Messing avoids it easily.
Philbeck lands an overhand right.
A punch lands to the side of Messing 's head but he takes it in his stride.#TD#
Messing closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Messing in particular looking to stall.
Philbeck looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Messing working over Philbeck with some ground and pound. Philbeck looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Messing takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Messing scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Messing is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Philbeck tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Messing manages to move to mount!
Messing breaks from Philbeck's wrist control and lands an elbow. #ES2#
Philbeck somehow manages to escape the mount and get back to his feet!#T1#
Messing throws a lazy uppercut
and Philbeck counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Messing on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Nice uppercut lands for Philbeck. That snapped Messing's head back. #TD#
Messing shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Philbeck is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Messing scores with a couple of nice shots.
Messing is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Messing looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Nice strikes from Messing there.
Ground and pound from Messing. #ROC#Philbeck is rocked!
Messing lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Philbeck is still in real trouble! Can Messing finish him?
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Messing lands a big elbow - Philbeck is out of it! He's waving his arms around but his eyes are closed and he's not intelligently defending himself - the ref has no choice but to jump in and stop the fight! This one is in the books! A TKO win for Messing!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Gerard Messing!

Home

What is MMA Tycoon?

Forgot Details

MMA Affiliate Program